Perceived Quality of Life in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationships among generic quality of life, caregiver burden, and autism-specific quality of life in primary caregivers of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using complementary validated assessment instruments. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 105 primary caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD. Participants were recruited from specialized services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Caregivers completed the Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF), the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, and the Quality of Life of Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with ASD (QVTEA). Correlations among caregiver burden, quality of life, educational level, and socioeconomic status were examined. Results: Most participants were mothers (n = 96). Caregivers reported reduced quality of life and moderate to high levels of caregiver burden, with the physical domain presenting the lowest WHOQOL-BREF scores. Higher educational attainment was associated with higher socioeconomic status. Significant correlations were observed among the assessment instruments: greater caregiver burden was associated with poorer generic quality of life and poorer autism-specific quality of life. No significant association was found between socioeconomic status and caregiver burden or quality of life. Conclusion: Primary caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD experience substantial caregiver burden and reduced quality of life. The combined use of complementary assessment instruments provided a broader understanding of caregivers' experiences and may support family-centered assessment and intervention strategies in clinical practice and research.